Sunday, November 23, 2014

Wrapping up November work

We had a good work session on Saturday, November 22, to wrap up our progress before heading into Thanksgiving Break. A number of projects were completed or started, giving us a leg up on the work we have to finish before we host Tiger Tracks Train Show & Sale on December 13-14.


Elliot, Matt, David S., and Otto finished up the majority of the ballast work in Irondequoit Yard. Some holes and patches were filled, and other areas completed. Otto scratchbuilt a concrete platform from styrene strip and sheet. This platform was installed alongside our caboose track, and the ballast and soil was worked up around it.

Spencer and Alex fixed a clearance issue near CP 373 where the B&O track was just a little too closed to the CSX/R&IT main line, which was causing some problems when two trains passed on the curve. The B&O tracks were realigned, glued down, and returned to service.

Elliot and Joe installed all turnouts and active tracks in the Niagara Food Terminal. Elliot and Matt started installing the wiring to power up these tracks, but ran out of time to finish.

Spencer installed, wired up, and programed two Tortoise switch machines to power up the crossover on the CSX/R&IT main line at CP 373.


Otto shaped the styrofoam hillside leading down into the Erie Canal at Lockport and gave it a coat of earth-brown latex ("No pink foam for open houses" is his rule). One of the pieces of foam came loose, so it was re-glued and clamped until dry.

Matt also took some time to work on a diorama of his own, adding a black wash to the rocks in his riverbed and then pouring a thin layer of Woodland Scenics' water into the scene.

We'll return during the first week of December, and then it's a mad rush to get ready for Tiger Tracks! Hope to see you there!